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Since the mid-20th century, organizations such as NASA, the FAA, and the USAF have invested in extensive research on how wide-body turbojet aircraft affect runway surfaces. One critical finding is that these heavier, faster aircraft deposit more tire rubber and polish runway surfaces to a greater extent than earlier narrow-body jets. As a result, surface friction can degrade significantly, especially under wet conditions, increasing the risk of aircraft overruns or incursions. This blog will cover the best rubber removal solutions of 2025.
Routine friction testing and rubber removal procedures play a vital role in ensuring safe operations. Learn about the top 3 rubber removal solutions on the market today, presented with their key advantages, drawbacks, and an overall rating.
In 2025, the FAA continues to expand its Airport Sustainability Program, introducing updated guidance that encourages greener operations and reduced environmental footprints across U.S. airports. This emphasis on eco-friendlier methods has prompted airports to explore solutions that minimize harmful runoff, reduce carbon footprints, and align with public expectations for responsible environmental stewardship.
Simultaneously, federal and state agencies are emphasizing cost reduction and efficiency measures, causing overall airport budgets to shrink in 2025. Although the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) still provides grants for aviation infrastructure, the funding pool is under increased pressure. Airports must now demonstrate financial prudence more than ever, striking a balance between operational safety, environmental compliance, and cost control. As a result, solutions that meet both regulatory and fiscal constraints have become especially appealing to airport decision-makers looking to maintain runway safety without straining limited resources.
#3: Shot Blasting
Shot blasting involves a specialized truck or machine that propels steel shot at high velocity onto the pavement. Although this technology is primarily used to restore pavement microtexture, it also happens to remove pavement contaminants such as embedded rubber. As the shot strikes and abrades the surface, it can dislodge rubber buildup, but it also has certain disadvantages.
A high-velocity steel shot can become embedded in the pavement, creating a Foreign Object Debris (FOD) hazard. To mitigate this, most shot blasting setups include a vacuum and magnet system that collects the shot for reuse. This helps reduce the overall cost of consumables but does not eliminate the risk of leaving stray shot behind.
Since shot blasting removes a thin layer of the pavement each time, frequent or repeated use can reduce runway longevity. It can also damage runway lighting or groove patterns, and it is generally not recommended for repeated rubber removal. Shot blasting is best considered a complementary method—for example, when removing old runway striping or severely polishing surfaces—and should be performed with caution.
Pros
- Improves pavement microtexture and removes striping
- Dislodges embedded rubber
- Fairly quick operation (3,000–10,000 sq ft/hr)
- Easy to pause for emergencies
Cons
- High overall cost ($0.26–$0.42 per sq ft)
- Possible FOD hazard from stray shot
- Risk of damaging pavement and runway lights
- Not compatible with wet conditions
Shot Blasting – 3/5 Stars
Great for restoring texture and removing paint, but the high cost and potential FOD risks make it less ideal for routine rubber removal.
#2: High Pressure Water Blasting
High pressure water blasting, also known as waterblasting, uses a truck-mounted system that sprays water at pressures ranging from 8,000 to 40,000 PSI. It was the earliest dedicated rubber removal technology, initially praised for minimal environmental impact and the lack of permit requirements. However, subsequent studies found that the carbonized rubber and heavy metals in the runoff can still pose environmental risks if not managed properly.
While this method is effective for making runways visibly clean, it can easily remove more than just rubber. The sheer force of high-pressure water may damage the pavement surface, striping, and joint seals, especially when used repeatedly or by an inexperienced operator. Over time, the technique can reduce a runway’s lifespan, necessitating major repaving efforts.
Furthermore, water blasting equipment is expensive, often costing around a million dollars at entry level. Operator training is also extensive to ensure consistent results without inflicting unnecessary pavement damage. If equipment is mishandled, the accelerated wear on the surface can create uneven patches, posing hazards during takeoffs and landings.
Pros
- Moderate per-square-foot cost ($0.13–$0.30) once initial equipment is purchased
- Reasonably fast (2,700–5,850 sq ft/hr)
- Can clear runway quickly for emergencies
Cons
- Limited by temperature and climate (not suitable in freezing conditions)
- High risk of pavement damage and polishing of grooves
- Significant up-front costs (equipment) and lengthy operator training
- Potential environmental impact from runoff
High Pressure Water Blasting – 3.5/5 Stars
Effective at visibly cleaning rubber, but requires costly equipment and skilled operators. Risk of pavement damage and environmental concerns remain drawbacks.
#1: Avion50 – Rubber Removal Detergent
Avion’s rubber removal detergent is specifically designed to solve the challenges airports face when removing built-up runway rubber. The highly alkaline formula effectively dissolves embedded rubber while remaining gentle on the pavement itself. It is also eco-friendly, containing no alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), butyl, or terpenes, and it adheres to EPA best management practices. The formula becomes inert when rinsed off the runway, and is 100% biodegradable.
One of Avion’s greatest strengths is its cost-effectiveness. Priced only in pennies per square foot, it utilizes standard airport equipment most facilities already own, such as spray rigs, water tankers, and snow brooms. This eliminates the need for a significant up-front investment in specialized hardware.
Avion’s formula works with a light mist, allowing use in diverse weather conditions without halting operations for clouds or light rain. In many cases, Avion50 removes up to 90% of rubber in a single pass. It does so without harming runway striping, lighting fixtures, or the pavement surface itself, preserving vital runway infrastructure.
Another advantage is simplified training. Since Avion uses common snow-removal equipment, crews can transition easily between off-season tasks and rubber removal, making the process seamless. The basic “apply, scrub, rinse” method is straightforward and less likely to cause the surface and infrastructure damage often seen with high-pressure techniques. The balance of performance and simplicity is why organizations like the United States Air Force use Avion50 as their preferred rubber removal solution.
Pros
- Pavement- and environmentally-friendly
- Removes up to 90% of rubber in a single application
- No specialized equipment needed
- Highly cost-effective, at pennies per square foot
- Fast application rate (50,000 sq ft/hr or more, based on crew size)
- Preserves runway markings, lights, and joint seals
Cons
- Leaves a minor amount of embedded rubber behind
- Runway must stay closed for an average of four hours during cleaning operations
The Best Rubber Removal Solution Of 2025: Avion50 – 5/5 Stars
Offers an unbeatable combination of cost-effectiveness, minimal surface damage, and environmental safety. The best overall solution for routine runway rubber removal.